Why You Can’t Always Get What You Want Out Of a New AC System

Why, in survey after survey, do consumers indicate they would pay a little extra for better comfort or energy savings but still continue to purchase the basic, minimum efficiency and lightly featured systems? This past year, AC & Heating Connect worked with Triple Pundit (a new-media company for highly conscious business leaders focused on the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit) to survey their readers on issues related to purchasing patterns of HVAC consumers. Industry data indicates that 70 percent of consumers consistently purchase minimum efficiency and minimum featured HVAC systems and only 30 percent buy the higher featured and more efficient models. This is all true despite Emerson Climate Technologies’ sponsored research, which indicates that almost 70 percent of homeowners surveyed prefer systems that offer superior energy savings and comfort or created less impact on the environment.

According to a 2013 survey of more than 500 Triple Pundit readers, we found some indications about what might be going on with HVAC consumer buying behavior. First, we asked if consumers would pay 20-30 percent more for a system that provided certain benefits.

23 percent have no interest in efficiency or comfort – just want cold air when it is hot

Although the results are not conclusive, we believe these responses give some indication of what’s going on. Confusion about what features are available in new systems and having the time and energy to research all the tradeoffs before making an HVAC investment decision are common problems for both consumers and contractors trying to satisfy their needs. One of the goals of AC & Heating Connect is to clear up this confusion in an easy to access web site which reduces the time and effort required to make smart, informed decisions and help consumers get what they want and not just what they need to get by. We are hoping our readers can take a few minutes to consider satisfying their comfort, efficiency or environmental needs before making another, large HVAC investment.

Share

Did this article impact your future AC purchasing decisions?

76Loading...

One thought on “Why You Can’t Always Get What You Want Out Of a New AC System”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail

Name *

Email *

Website

The information included on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional advice from a licensed professional. The reader should always consult his or her licensed professional to determine the appropriateness of the information for their specific situation. To the full extent permissible by applicable law, Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates expressly disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this website and disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.